elevated tiny cabin by natureza urbana floats between trees in são paulo

Natureza Urbana’s Altar Ninho settles at Pedra Alta Farm

Altar Ninho is by Natureza Urbana a sustainable retreat situated at Pedra Alta farm, providing an exclusive stay in an elevated tiny house surrounded by trees and overlooking the Joanópolis Reservoir in São Paulo, Brazil. The cabin, nestled within the Atlantic Forest, provides easy access to waterfalls, trails, and picturesque landscapes that combine mountains and reservoir waters. The architectural design focuses on sustainability, utilizing prefabricated structures to reduce environmental impact and blending seamlessly with nature. 

The collaboration between Altar and Natureza Urbana has led to the creation of Ninho, set within the natural landscapes of Serra da Mantiqueira. This project aligns with Altar’s aim to establish decentralized hotels linked with nature, incorporating glamping-style accommodations and leveraging technology for sustainable hospitality practices. The compact tree house offers features such as a queen-size bunk bed with reservoir views, an outdoor deck, and a bathroom with a zenithal opening for sky and treetop vistas.

all images by Maira Acayaba

Altar Ninho perches over sloping terrain overlooking Joanópolis

The construction of Ninho, initiated in July 2023, follows the precedent of the small spaces collection ‘O Altar’ from Tok&Stok, which includes furniture, objects, and decorative items designed by Natureza Urbana. The project’s location at Fazenda Pedra Alta is close to two other Altar units, promoting dynamic integration between the houses while respecting privacy and individual decompression experiences.

Ninho’s placement atop sloping terrain and elevated up to four meters from the ground evokes the concept of a treehouse, providing expansive views of the reservoir. The beds are adjacent to a large opening, which enhances visual connections and immersion in the natural environment. Guests can access an exclusive leisure area that includes a sofa, outdoor table, shower, barbecue grill, and space for a bonfire, along with other personalized services. Ninho emerges as an elevated refuge nestled among the treetops, combining sober volumetry with thoughtful design choices that maximize the visitor’s experience.

Altar Ninho by Natureza Urbana offers panoramic views of the Joanópolis Reservoir in São Paulo

Prefabricated metal structure supports the compact tree house

Designed with rational volumetric planning, the project emphasizes the use of simple yet sophisticated design and materials that foster integration between architecture and nature. Prefabrication of the metal structure, facade solutions, and closures allowed for efficient transport and rapid implementation upon arrival at the site.

The shelter’s metal columns minimize ground impact and support a spacious natural wood deck. Inside the 20-square-meter space, living, kitchen, and bedroom functions are consolidated into a single environment, with a naturally lit bathroom featuring a zenithal opening.

the design emphasizes sustainability, using prefabricated structures to minimize environmental impact

the compact tree house includes a queen-size bunk bed with reservoir views, an outdoor deck, and a bathroom

elevated up to four meters from the ground, Ninho evokes the concept of a treehouse with sweeping views

Ninho’s thoughtful design showcases sober volumetry and harmonious integration with the landscape

the design incorporates rational volumetric planning with simple yet sophisticated materials

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project info:

name: Altar Ninho
architect: Natureza Urbana | @naturezaurbana_br

design team: Pedro Lira, Manoela Machado, Pedro Borba, Breno Pilot, Julia Ximenes, Luan Neske, Maria Caterina Di Spigna and Maria Luiza Torres

client: Altar | @altar.br

area: 20 sqm

location: Joanópolis, São Paulo, Brazil

photography: Maira Acayaba | @mairaacayaba

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom